Sunday, February 19, 2017

My latest undertaking: an affordable housing community in Nanaimo.

While it may appear I spend all my time on Twitter and Facebook, or pontificating about housing and planning issues on TV and radio, I do continue to work on small, worthwhile real estate projects.
In addition to a few interesting consulting assignments, I am undertaking Vinson House Cottages, which involves the conservation of a heritage property and creation of 3 infill units, in partnership with Trasolini/Chetner, on a double lot in West Vancouver. One of the homes has sold, and two other homes are now for sale http://www.vinsonhousecottages.com/
I also recently purchased another West Vancouver heritage property, the Rush House, where I am planning a similar conservation/infill project. http://www.tomhassan.com/real-estate/1195-12th-street/
However, last week I concluded the purchase of a 8.63 acre property which offers the potential for a rather different type of development in South Nanaimo, yes Nanaimo. http://www.collierscanada.com/20351#.WKnk1H_6JZM
So why was I interested in this property?
In 1970, I studied mobile home parks and manufactured/modular housing on a CMHC travelling scholarship which took me across America with Warren Chalk, one of the founding members and 'catalyst of ideas' for Archigram. For those not familiar, it was a truly avant-garde English architectural group which proposed, among many other things, the concept of plug-in cities https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archigram

The property offers significant potential for a variety of housing concepts

Immediately to the northwest of the site is a new subdivision. It looks like it's all dressed and ready to go!

Zoned Mobile Home Park, the Fielding Road property is near Highway 19
and Cedar Road, about 6 km from downtown Nanaimo. While I am not contemplating a traditional mobile home park, the site may be suitable for a
pocket-neighbourhood type of development with up to 50+/- affordable
cottage-style homes and community amenities. Alternatively, I might explore an alternative development standards subdivision. Nanaimo officials have been quite open-minded and creative in allowing new forms of housing subdivision. Who knows, maybe one day something like this Aurora, Illinois subdivision might be appropriate?

I also think Nanaimo is an attractive city with considerable potential. It is close to many natural amenities and just a ferry or float plane ride from Vancouver. Moreover, servicing for a new subdivision is now being completed just beyond the property, and a major comprehensive new community, Sandstone, is planned for a property that begins across the road. While there's no doubt it will take many years to complete, it will further enhance the area.

I now look forward to again meeting with municipal officials to discuss how best to proceed with the planning and development of the property. Stay tuned!